10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01155
The research focuses on the discovery and characterization of second-generation NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors, which are potential drug candidates for neurodegenerative disorders. The study involves the design and synthesis of a new chemical scaffold, HL16, and its analogs, followed by extensive biological testing to evaluate their inhibitory potency and selectivity towards the NLRP3 inflammasome. Experiments include in vitro assays with J774A.1 murine macrophage cells and primary mouse peritoneal macrophages to measure IL-1β production, as well as in vivo testing in mice to assess the compounds' effects on cytokine production and their ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) was used to induce NLRP3 inflammasome activation in cells. The research also encompasses pharmacokinetic studies in rats to determine the systemic clearance, tissue distribution, and oral bioavailability of the lead compound, 17 (YQ128). The analyses used include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for cytokine levels, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for chemical synthesis monitoring, and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for plasma and brain tissue concentration measurements of the compounds.
10.1002/chem.201002759
The research focuses on the conformational changes of spermine (SPM), a polyamine that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, when it interacts with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and ATP–Mg2+ complexes. The study aims to understand the structural basis of the weak interactions between SPM and ATP, which are essential for cellular signal transduction and other biological functions. To achieve this, the researchers synthesized selectively 2H- and 13C-labeled SPMs and analyzed them using NMR spectroscopy to determine the spin–spin coupling constants for six conformationally relevant bonds. The experiments involved the preparation of labeled SPMs, measurement of stoichiometry and association constants in the SPM–ATP complex, and determination of spin–spin coupling constants under various conditions, including different pH levels and in the presence of ATP, ATP–Mg2+, and tripolyphosphate (TPP). The analyses provided insights into the binding affinity, stoichiometry, and conformational changes of SPM upon interaction with these complexes, revealing a preference of SPM for the adenyl group of ATP and its distinct interaction patterns compared to spermidine (SPD). These findings contribute to the understanding of the structural basis of polyamine biological functions.